The Sweetest Southern Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Ever Made

Southern pecan pie bars offer a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.

Buttery crusts cradle a rich, gooey filling packed with crunchy pecans.

Generations of bakers have perfected this sweet Southern treat.

Crisp pastry provides the perfect foundation for decadent caramel-like layers.

Maple undertones dance through each delectable bite, creating a memorable experience.

Crumbly and smooth textures invite you to savor every moment.

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistible bars that bring comfort and joy to any gathering.

Why Southern Pecan Pie Bars Are a Timeless Treat

• Indulge in Southern Comfort: Capture the essence of classic Southern baking with these pecan pie bars that bring nostalgic flavors right to your kitchen.
• Simplify Dessert Preparation: Create a crowd-pleasing treat with straightforward steps that require minimal baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Perfectly portable and shareable dessert that's ideal for gatherings, potlucks, holiday celebrations, and family reunions where everyone craves a sweet bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows for personal touches like adding a dusting of powdered sugar or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Essential Components for Southern Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the pie bar base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp crust texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky base with a tender crumb.

• Corn Syrup: Provides a smooth, glossy texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the pie bars.
• Pecans: The star ingredient that gives the bars a classic Southern nutty taste and crunchy texture.

• Powdered Sugar: An optional topping that adds a decorative and sweet finish to the bars.

How to Bake Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Toss in cubed butter and blend using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough sand. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Pecan Filling

• Corn syrup
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Stir in chopped pecans until everything is well combined and looks glossy and smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Pecan Bars

Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly across the surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling sets and the edges turn a rich golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire batch out. Slice into neat squares.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate up these delectable pecan bars. For an extra touch of elegance, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Insider Tips for Southern Pecan Pie Bars

• Toast pecans before adding to the filling for a deeper, richer nutty flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Line the baking pan carefully with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Avoid overbaking the crust and filling by checking doneness around 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out or burning.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother, more consistent filling that blends perfectly with pecans.
• Dust bars with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent sugar from dissolving too quickly.

Creative Spins on Southern Pecan Pie Bars

• Chocolate Drizzle Pecan Bars: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled bars for a rich, decadent upgrade.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Swirl homemade salted caramel sauce on top of the filling before baking for a gourmet touch.
• Bourbon Maple Pecan Bars: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Coconut Crunch Pecan Bars: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the filling before baking for added texture and tropical notes.

Perfect Pairings for Southern Pecan Pie Bars

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Bourbon Ice Cream: Smooth, rich bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream complements the sweet pecan pie bars, creating a luxurious dessert experience with a cool contrast.
• Match with Strong Black Coffee: Dark, robust coffee cuts through the pie's sweetness, offering a bold flavor counterpoint that enhances the nutty pecan and caramel notes.
• Serve with Salted Caramel Whiskey: A smooth whiskey with salted caramel undertones amplifies the pie's rich, sugary profile while adding a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert.
• Accompany with Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, aromatic chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully balance the pie's sweetness, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor combination.

Storing Southern Pecan Pie Bars for Freshness

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp crust and gooey filling. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Pecan Pie Bars

• How can I ensure my crust is perfectly crumbly?

Use cold butter and work quickly when mixing to prevent warming. Cut butter into small cubes and blend until mixture resembles coarse sand-like texture.

• Why do I need corn syrup in the filling?

Corn syrup prevents sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, glossy filling that holds the pecan bars together without becoming grainy or separating.

• Can I toast the pecans before adding them?

Yes, toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350F for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Southern Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 58-65 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent Southern pecan pie bars blend buttery crust with caramel-rich filling, creating a classic dessert that whispers sweet comfort. Crisp pecans and golden syrup marry in each delectable bite, inviting you to savor a slice of traditional southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Fats and Flavoring:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend for easy removal.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly texture.
3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the pan’s bottom, creating an even foundation for the bars.
4. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue.
5. While the crust bakes, whisk corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
7. Carefully pour the pecan-infused filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading uniformly to cover the entire surface.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a set filling and golden-brown edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling on a wire rack within the pan.
10. Using parchment paper overhang, gently lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into precise squares.
11. Optional: Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for enhanced presentation and sweetness.

Notes

• Make the crust extra crisp by toasting the flour briefly in the oven before mixing to enhance nutty flavors and improve texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother filling and more even baking, preventing potential curdling or uneven consistency.
• Prevent soggy bottom by pre-baking the crust until light golden and ensuring it’s completely cool before adding the filling.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 43-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg